In an exciting matchup in Tampa, Florida, the New England Patriots clinched their seventh consecutive victory by overcoming the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-23. TreVeyon Henderson was a standout performer, delivering impressive touchdown runs of 69 and 55 yards, while Drake Maye contributed with two touchdown passes.
Despite an interception by Maye in the end zone, the Patriots (now 8-2) maintained their composure. A critical defensive stop on a fourth-and-3 at their own 27-yard line set the stage for Henderson’s electrifying 69-yard touchdown run, which effectively sealed the win for New England.
Henderson, a rookie, achieved a personal best by rushing for 147 yards on just 14 carries, showcasing his potential and impact on the field.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers (6-3) made NFL history as the first team to secure their initial four victories of a season with game-winning scores in the final minute of regulation. They had another opportunity to pull off a last-minute comeback after Tykee Smith intercepted Maye’s pass in the end zone with just over five minutes remaining.
However, on a crucial fourth down, Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was pressured heavily by the Patriots’ defense, resulting in a short pass to Rachaad White that failed to reach the first down marker just outside the red zone.
Though Mayfield connected with Tez Johnson for his second touchdown pass in the game’s final moments, the Patriots successfully recovered the subsequent onside kick, securing their hard-fought victory.
Patriots first-year coach Mike Vrabel has led an impressive turnaround, guiding a team that was 4-13 last season to first place in the AFC East.
Henderson ran 55 yards up the middle on the second play of the second half to extend New England’s lead to 21-10.
Mayfield scrambled out of pressure and hit Johnson for a 10-yard TD pass to cut the deficit to 21-16 in the third quarter. Tampa Bay tried a version of the “Philly Special” on the 2-point conversion, but the Patriots were ready for it and Emeka Egbuka was stopped on a run.
The Patriots took a 14-10 lead on Maye’s 1-yard TD pass to Stefon Diggs on the final play of the first half. After the Buccaneers stuffed three straight runs from the 1, Maye tossed a perfect pass to Diggs in the corner of the end zone. Diggs made an excellent catch over Antoine Winfield Jr. and kept both feet in.
Maye hit Kyle Williams on a 72-yard catch-and-run touchdown to tie it at 7 on the final play of the first quarter. It was New England’s longest play this season.
Mayfield connected with Egbuka on a 21-yard TD pass to give the Buccaneers a 7-0 lead on the opening drive.
Chase McLaughlin’s 36-yard field goal extended the lead to 10-7.
Chunk plays
The Patriots had three TDs of 50-plus yards and Maye threw a 54-yard pass to Mack Hollins to the Bucs 8 on third-and-14 in the fourth quarter.
Brady Bowl
This was the first matchup between the teams since Tom Brady retired. There were more No. 12 Patriots jerseys in the stands than No. 12 Bucs jerseys. Brady led New England to six Super Bowl titles in 20 seasons with the team and won one with the Buccaneers in three seasons in Tampa Bay.
Injuries
Patriots: DT Christian Barmore (back) was hurt in the fourth quarter. … RB Terrell Jennings (knee) didn’t return in the second half. … WR Kayshon Boutte (hamstring), RB Rhamondre Stevenson (toe), LB Christian Elliss (hip) didn’t play.
Buccaneers: LG Ben Bredeson left the game with a hamstring injury in the first quarter. … RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder), WR Chris Godwin (fibula), WR Mike Evans (clavicle), OLB Haason Reddick (knee, ankle) were out.
Up Next
Patriots: Host the New York Jets on Thursday night.
Buccaneers: Visit the Buffalo Bills next Sunday.
